Signal-Segregating Connector System

ABSTRACT

A signal-segregating connector for use in a system having a printed circuit board, a first electrical structure and a second electrical structure. The connector includes a first set of conductive elements to convey signals between the first electrical structure and the printed circuit board, and a second set of conductive elements to convey signals between the first electrical structure and the second electrical structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from, and hereby incorporates byreference, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/559,098, filed Apr. 1,2004 and entitled: “Planar Connector.” This application also claimspriority from, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. patentapplication No. 11/097,450 filed Apr. 1, 2005, and entitled:“SIGNAL-SEGREGATING CONNECTOR SYSTEM.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of electrical signalinterconnection systems.

BACKGROUND

Today's computers, routers, switches and servers often rely upon in-lineconnectors designed for low manufacturing cost as well as easyattachment and removal of certain electrical components that arecommonly upgraded after purchase. Personal computers and laptops, forinstance, often incorporate memory connectors designed to allowconsumers to upgrade system memory. Likewise, routers and switches oftenincorporate line card connectors, by which customers may upgrade systemcapacity and/or capability in the field.

Most electrical components in a computing system, including in-lineconnectors, are connected to the printed circuit board (PCB) usingplated through hole structures commonly referred to as a “vias.” Viasare known to be significant sources of signal distortion, reflection,attenuation and capacitance. These problems have a greater detrimentaleffect on high frequency signals than on low frequency signals and,accordingly, efforts have been made to incorporate via-free structuresby which components may be attached to PCBs and across which highfrequency electrical signals may be transferred between electricalcomponents. Elimination of vias does not, however, represent a criticalissue for the structures that connect low frequency signals, power orground.

One form of commonly used in-line connector is illustrated in FIG. 1,which is a prior art DIMM (dual inline memory module) connection system.Pictured is a typical DIMM 109, which integrates a group of memory chips110 onto a small printed circuit board (PCB) 111, which is inserted intothe DIMM connector 112 (sometimes called a “DIMM socket”). The DIMMconnector is typically attached to a larger primary system PCB (notshown), which is often referred to as the “mother board”, whichintegrates the system's electrical power circuits, ground circuits, andvarious other electrical components. The method of electromechanicalconnection between an in-line connector and a mother board is generallythe previously described pin-and-hole architecture. Pins typicallyextend down from the base of the DIMM connector and anchor in platedthrough holes located on the mother board. This system and other effortsin the art for connecting in-line components and distributing signalsleave an opportunity for further improvement by introducing novelelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art connection system for DIMMs;

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment, showing a DIMM connector with aplanar high frequency signal connection system;

FIG. 2B illustrates 3 perspective views of an embodiment, showing a DIMMconnector and a DIMM with planar high frequency connections;

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment in which a DIMMconnector has a planar high frequency signal connection systemconstructed as three individual interlocking segments;

FIG. 3A illustrates detailed views of an embodiment in which a DIMMconnector incorporates a planar high frequency connector to connectionsystem;

FIG. 3B illustrates detailed views of DIMM connector with planar highfrequency connection system utilizing stair-steps;

FIG. 4A illustrates two versions of the central portion of the DIMMconnector with planar high frequency connection system;

FIG. 4B shows various spring arrangements for making and maintainingcontact alignment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a high frequency planar DIMM connector where a singleDIMM module connector is formed by two separate connector bodies;

FIG. 6 illustrates a DIMM module with attached signal adaptor;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of the DIMM module with added signaladaptor;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of a DIMM module with attachedsignal adaptor inserted into a high frequency planar DIMM connector;

FIG. 9 illustrates multiple detailed views of a DIMM module signaladaptor;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top and two side views of a DIMM connector withplanar high frequency connections;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of ganged DIMM connectors with planarhigh frequency connections;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of ganged DIMM connectors with planarhigh frequency connections;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of ganged DIMM connectors with planarhigh frequency connections with a through-hole connector;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of ganged DIMM connectors with planarhigh frequency connections with a surface mount connector;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of ganged DIMM connectors with planarhigh frequency connections with a stair stepped surface mount connector;

FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed side view of a high frequency planar DIMMconnector where two separate DIMM modules are contacting a single memoryconnector element;

FIG. 17 illustrates multiple DIMM modules captured by multiple memoryconnector elements;

FIG. 18 illustrates a stair-stepped DIMM module signal adaptor;

FIG. 19 illustrates a DIMM module with signal adaptor wherein signalconnections are made directly onto a PCB;

FIG. 20 illustrates a DIMM module with a high frequency signalinterposer;

FIG. 21 illustrates a flexible circuit without the contact housings andwith the cylindrically-shaped, slotted springs;

FIG. 22 illustrates a close up view of a DIMM interposer with downfacing engagement slots;

FIG. 23 illustrates a close up view of a DIMM interposer with up facingengagement slots;

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of a DIMM interposer placed between twoDIMMs;

FIG. 25 illustrates details of a DIMM interposer pin and slot alignmentmechanism;

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of a DIMM interposer which allows forhorizontal alignment;

FIG. 27 shows DIMM cards with the first DIMM connector removed forclarity in showing the first card

FIG. 28 is a closeup view showing the contact pads and alignmentfeatures on top of the advanced memory buffer (AMB) IC package on theDIMM card and the controller IC package on the backplane;

FIG. 29 illustrates a flexible circuit connector that connects the DIMMIC package to the controller IC package;

FIG. 30 is a close up view of FIG. 29 illustrating the slots between thesignal traces on the flexible circuit;

FIG. 31 another view of FIG. 30 except with the flexible circuit removedto show the underlying connector structure;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the connector showing all the DIMM cards andstandard DIMM connectors;

FIG. 33 is a cutaway view illustrating the alignment features, which areslots going over nail-heads on the AMB IC package on the DIMM card tothe left and a hole going over an alignment pin on the controller ICpackage on the right;

FIG. 34 illustrates an alternate alignment mechanism;

FIG. 35 illustrates the nail head on the DIMM IC package and thealignment slot that is on both sides of the contact housing in theflexible circuit connector;

FIG. 36 illustrates a cutaway view of the slot in the flexible circuitconnector's contact housing;

FIG. 37 illustrates a contact housing with alignment slot openingupward;

FIG. 38 illustrates a cutaway view of the nail head/hole features;

FIG. 39 illustrates clamping levers on both sides of the flexiblecircuit's contacts;

FIG. 40 illustrates clamping levers without a controller IC package forclarification;

FIG. 41 illustrates an underside view of the flexible circuit andcontact housings with the base removed for clarity;

FIG. 42 illustrates the flexible circuit connector without the base;

FIG. 43 illustrates sectional view of central portion of multi-slotconnector where connection to driver/controller chip is made throughpackage;

FIG. 44 illustrates sectional view of central portion of multi-slotconnector where connection to driver/controller is made through uppersurface of package;

FIG. 45 illustrates a sectional view of central portion of multi-slotconnector where channel is maintained on surface of PCB;

FIG. 46 illustrates a module with circuits wrapping around its end tointerface with a compliant controlled impedance bus;

FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment having springarrangements for both high and low density areas;

FIG. 48 illustrates an embodiment of Section AA showing how a bucklingbeam may be used to make contact by applying lateral force;

FIG. 49 illustrates another embodiment of Section AA showing how abuckling beam and a force delivery may be used to make contact byapplying lateral force;

FIG. 50 illustrates an embodiment of Section AA showing how a bucklingbeam may be used to make contact by applying vertical force from above;

FIG. 51 illustrates and embodiment of Section AA showing how a bucklingbeam may be used to make contact by applying vertical force from belowby means of a cam;

FIG. 52 illustrates an embodiment of Section BB showing how springs maymake contact both laterally and vertically;

FIG. 53 illustrates an embodiment of Section AA showing an array ofbuckling beams may be disposed to make array contacts on the module toincrease signal density and larger feature sizes; and

FIG. 54 illustrates a frontal view of an array of buckling beams in bothan extended and a relaxed view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, specificterminology and drawing symbols are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. In some instances, theterminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not requiredto practice the invention. For example, the interconnection betweencircuit elements or circuit blocks may be shown or described asmulti-conductor or single conductor signal lines. Each of themulti-conductor signal lines may alternatively be single-conductorsignal lines, and each of the single-conductor signal lines mayalternatively be multi-conductor signal lines. Signals and signalingpaths shown or described as being single-ended may also be differential,and vice-versa. Signals and signal paths may be optical. Signal pathsmay be impedance controlled, such as provided by coax, twinax, etc.

In the following descriptions references are made to DIMMs (Dual InlineMemory Modules). While DIMMs are a specific implementation of a systemmodule, references to DIMMs throughout this disclosure are alsoanticipated to include any other form of removable module. This includesbut is not limited to DRAM, SRAM, CPU, optical, digital or analogmodules.

In the following descriptions references are made to signals and signalpaths. Signals, while typically referring to data, may also be power orground.

In the following descriptions references are made to signals havingdiffering levels of sensitivity to electronic disturbance or degradationby features intrinsic to themselves and their path or to other nearbysignal paths, components or circuit features. More specifically, signalsthat are sensitive to electronic disturbance or degradation aresometimes referred to herein as “high frequency signals,” or “high-speedsignals.” By contrast, signals that are generally insensitive to suchdisturbance or degradation are referred to herein as “low frequencysignals”or “low-speed signals.” Signals within an electronic circuit maythus be either integrity-sensitive or integrity-tolerant. For examplecertain data signals transmitted at high signal rates can beunacceptably degraded by design features that are normally encounteredalong the length of their signal path including; dielectric materials,conductor materials, minute manufacturing defects, changes in signalpath direction, plated vias, changed in impedance, crosstalk, skew,electronic stubs and the like. In contrast, other signals within adesign, which are less sensitive to these concerns, would include DCcircuits including power and ground and lower order connections used tocontrol less frequently accessed circuit elements.

In the following descriptions references are made to segments ofconnectors. References and drawings referring to positions of segments(for instance such as middle, center, and end) are used to conveygeneral location. Alternate segment positions are allowed andanticipated. A complete connector may be constructed with separatelymanufactured segments which are assembled into a complete connector or aconnector may be manufactured with differing segments as a monolithicunit.

In the following descriptions, references are made to modular connectorsand components that allow for high speed signal paths, traveling betweenone instance of the modular connectors and another instance of themodular connection. Any reference showing more than one modularcomponents connecting together includes embodiments where two or moresuch components are combined.

FIG. 2A illustrated an embodiment in which a DIMM connector 20 comprisesmultiple segments 21, 22, 23. The low frequency signal segments 21, 23carry low frequency signals and are conFigured similar to existing DIMMconnectors. The high frequency signal segment 23 carries the highfrequency signals.

FIG. 2B illustrates a right and left perspective view of an embodimentDIMM connector and a representative DIMM. Metal pins are extend downwardfrom the DIMM connector 24 for connection to a PCB (not shown). Theconnector's high frequency segment 25 includes precision contacts whichaccept the DIMM's high frequency signal paths 26. The high frequencysegment 25 provides for a finer signal pitch connection between the highfrequency paths on the DIMM connector and the high frequency paths onDIMM. In this embodiment, addition, the high frequency segment 25 of theconnector provides for signal routing in a general lateral direction toother connectors, not through the bottom of the connector.

FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment wherein the separate segments 21,22, 23 of the connector are manufactured as separate pieces withinterlocks.

FIG. 3A illustrates several views of an embodiment of the connector inFIG. 2B in which the high frequency segment of the connector 30 is aseparate module from the low frequency segments 30 a. The upper leftillustration shows the high frequency segment 30 mated to the lowfrequency segments 30 a with a DIMM connecting from above. The upperright illustration shows a cross section of three connectors mated fromto back with thee counterpart DIMMs connecting from above. The body 34of the high frequency segment of the front connector houses conductors32 which make contact with a DIMM inserted from above. The bottomillustration shows a side view of two connectors 34, 35 mated back toback. One end of each conductors has a step 31 that is exposed as acontact area on its top surface. The other end has a shelf 37 exposed asa contact area on its bottom surface so that two connectors 35, 35 mateas shown in the center of the illustration. Placing two connector bodies34, 35 together creates a complete signal path between DIMMs. In thismanner, signals are not required to travel down to the PCB and back upto the next connector. Instead they travel directly between each other,generally in a single plane. In addition, since the connectors connectto each other directly, it is possible to achieve finer signal conductorpitches and thereby facilitate higher signal density and lower costsolutions. Neither conductor 31, 39 need be monolithic or conFigured inthe oval shape shown. Alignment between connectors 34 is desirable withfine pitch signal conductors. Alignment features 31 a are provided onboth the upper shelf 37 and the lower step 30. The alignment featuresmay be, but are not limited to peg and hole or ridge and slot. Becausethe high frequency connector bodies 34 35 are aligned relative tothemselves, and not to the underlying PCB 38, it is possible to buildmore finely pitched signal conductor structures and still maintainalignment between connectors. The conductors may be constructed fromspring metal, wires, metalized plastic, plating, or any other conductivematerial. Methods for attaching the two conductors 32, 39 to each otherinclude but are not limited to: solder, anisotropic adhesive, conductiveadhesive, compression, gold dots, welding or springs. A conductive layer30 below the opening for the DIMM is anticipated for the signal groundto be included so that the conductors above 32, 39 have a groundreference.

In FIGS. 2A through 3B, the high frequency segment of each connectordoes not have to be in the middle but may be placed anywhere along thelength of the connector. There may be one or more high frequencysegments in a connector or one or more low frequency segments.

FIG. 4A illustrates two embodiments of conductors on the exposedsurfaces where the connectors in FIG. 3A mate. In one embodiment,conductors are generally coplanar with the PCB 38 and do not have curvedends. In another embodiment, conductors are generally coplanar with thePCB 38 and curved 44 at their ends. FIG. 4B illustrates multipleembodiments of conductor structure for the high frequency segment 34,35.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment which comprises stair steps onboth the DIMM 33 a and the connector 34 a to increase signal density.Signal paths 32 a, 39 a comprise one set of steps for connection whilesignal paths 32 b, 39 b comprise different steps. Although illustratedas two steps, there is no limit to the number of steps anticipated.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. Two connectors are formedby placing three similar connector bodies 50 together. The connectorbodies 50 provide for a left and a right contact surface for the twocard edges of separate DIMMs to be inserted from above. The connectorbodies 50 are connected and aligned to each other through the use of analignment and capture system such as the “nail-head” 243 and slot 350arrangement illustrated in FIG. 35. This embodiment requires only theconnections between the body of a first DIMM and the body of a secondDIMM, whereas four exist in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. Theconductor 53 may be created from metal, wire, frames, flex, etching orany other suitable electrically conductive technologies.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. In the high frequencysection of the DIMM, a signal adaptor 63 is added. The signal adaptor 63translates signal paths from vertical orientation to horizontalorientation. FIG. 7 provides a detailed illustration of the signaladaptor 63. Conductor 71 makes contact with the DIMM 60 card edgeconductive pads, picking up DIMM signals. The conductors 71 in signaladaptor 63 exit the bottom of the signal adaptor at predominantly 90degrees from the DIMM card 60. The conductor 71 may be created frommetal, wire, frames, flex, etching or any other suitable electricallyconductive technologies. The conductor shape 72 may be flat or curved.As part of the embodiment, a corresponding connector capable ofreceiving a combined DIMM 60 with signal adaptor 63 is illustrated inFIG. 8 in a side view. Signal conductors 80 from a legacy DIMM connectorare shown for reference and are not part of the high frequency connector85 segment.

FIG. 9 illustrates multiple detailed views of an embodiment of a DIMMmodule signal adaptor. Conductors 94 provide for a method by which aDIMM edge card signal pad may be connected to the DIMM. One method ofattachment is through a compressive fit by making the slot opening 94 ofthe signal adaptor slightly smaller than the depth of the DIMM card.During manufacture of the DIMM, accurate placement may be achieved moreeconomically. Once the signal adaptor is placed on the DIMM 60, accuratealignment of the DIMM into a high frequency connector 85 (FIG. 8) may beachieved during DIMM insertion through the use of alignment features 90.FIG. 9, in the bottom view, also illustrates an embodiment of thecontacts 92 for the bottom of the signal adaptor 63. In this embodiment,the contacts 92 are curved and are separated by guide reliefs whichfacilitate contact alignment during DIMM insertion.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment wherein a single DIMM connector 100comprises a high frequency segment in the middle and two low densitysegments on either side. The embodiment accepts a DIMM with an attachedsignal adaptor 63. An alternate embodiment eliminates the requirementfor a signal adaptor 63 on the DIMM 60. Alignment structures 107, 108provide for accurate alignment of the high frequency segments whenindividual connectors 100 are placed next to each other. FIG. 11 furtherillustrates the embodiment comprising multiple connectors 100, 110, 111,112 coupled to each other. Due to their shelf structures, the connectorsmust be installed in the order of 100 then 110, then 111 and finally112. There are no limits to the number of connectors which may bechained together. The last connector in the chain 112 has an exposedconnection shelf 104 (FIG. 10). This connection shelf is a available toconnect signals into the PCB 106 (FIG. 10) with an additional adaptor oralternatively using others methods such as flex or cables.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of ganged DIMMconnectors with substantially planar high frequency connections.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the embodiment comprising ganged DIMMconnectors with substantially planar high frequency connections with athrough-hole connector 133 added to provide for connection to a PCB 130.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the embodiment comprising ganged DIMMconnectors with substantially planar high frequency connections with asurface mount connector 141 added to provide for connection to a PCB140.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the embodiment comprising ganged DIMMconnectors with substantially planar high frequency connections with astair stepped surface mount connector 151 added to proved forconnections to a PCB 150.

FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed side view of another embodiment of a highfrequency planar DIMM connector wherein a connector is created whichaccepts a DIMM with an attached signal adaptor by the arrangement of twoconnector bodies 160. This embodiment is similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 but allows for DIMMs with attached signal adaptors63. FIG. 17 illustrates how multiple ganged connector elements 160 ofthe embodiment form an array of DIMM connectors. The connector bodies160 are connected and aligned to each other through the use of analignment and capture system such as the “nail-head” 243 and slot 350arrangement illustrated in FIG. 35. These are specifically shown in FIG.17 as a post 164 and a slot 165. Contact conductors 163 from the lowdensity segment are shown for reference and are not part of the highfrequency segment. FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment as multiple DIMMmodules captured by multiple memory connector elements.

Another embodiment of the invention is stair-stepped DIMM signal adaptorillustrated in FIG. 18. Similar to the embodiment of the signal adaptorillustrated in FIG. 9, this embodiment allows for multiple stair stepsof connections. Even though FIG. 18 illustrates only two steps, multiplesteps are anticipated. This embodiment allows for higher signal pathdensity without reducing signal pitch. The stair-stepped DIMM signaladaptor is designed to mate to a DIMM connector with matchingstair-steps.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 19 wherein aDIMM with signal adaptor 63 makes connections 194 directly onto a PCB191. The connector element 190 provides for the alignment of the DIMM60. As shown the signal adaptor 63 provides for a connection to a signal192 below the exposed surface of the PCB 191. Other arrangements arepossible such as directly connection to traces on top of the PCB. Thisembodiment also allows multiple levels (e.g. stair-stepped) ofconnections between the signal adaptor 63 and the PCB 191.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment, a connector system in which lowdensity signals are conducted to a DIMM 202 via a traditional DIMMconnector structure 200 and high frequency signals are conducted to theDIMM 202 using an interposer 201. The interposer 201 contains a flexiblecircuit 205, which electrically interconnects electrical signals fromDIMM 202 to the adjacent DIMM. The interposer 201 is shown without theadjoining (next in line) DIMM 202 that is in front of the connector 200.This interposer connection method allows the interposer 201 to directlyconnect to the DIMM PCBPCB substrate material, or alternatively, asdepicted in FIG. 20, to the IC package 204 mounted on DIMM 202.

FIG. 21 illustrates a detailed view of the interposer's flexible circuit205. The interposer 201 may interconnect any electronic components withsuitable alignment features and contact pads. FIG. 21 illustrates theflexible circuit 205 with the cylindrically-shaped, slotted springs 210withdrawn partially from inside the flexible circuit's contacts. Thesprings 210 provides contact force for the flexible circuit contacts.Slots 214 in both springs 210 and between the contacts in the flexiblecircuit 205 provide independent movement of the contacts so that anystiffness in the flexible circuit does not hinder contact force inadjacent contacts.

FIG. 22 illustrates a close-up of the flexible circuit 205 interposer201. The alignment slots 220 slide over nail heads 243 (in FIG. 24) onthe IC package 204 and nail heads 244 (in FIG. 24) on the back of theadjacent DIMM card. The interposer 201 is assembled onto the PCB 203(FIG. 20) using prongs, other protrusions or other assembly methods 222.The contact housings 226, 227 have the ability to move freely to allowslot/hole alignment. In this embodiment, the DIMM 202 is required to beinstalled prior to the installation of the interposer 201.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the slots 230 forcapturing the nail heads 243, 244 (in FIG. 24) are facing upwardsallowing the DIMM 202 to be inserted after the interposer 231. FIG. 24is a side view of the interposer 231 illustrating its relationship tothe DIMM cards and standard DIMM connectors 200. FIG. 25 contains twoclose up views of the contact housings 226, 227. The first view showboth contact housings 226, 227 and the second view shows the interposer201 without the contact housing 226 to show the nail head 243 on thesubstrate package. FIG. 26 illustrates one of the feature of theembodiment for aligning tight pitch signals in situations whereuntrained persons are allowed to install modules. The interposer 260 isfixed to the PCB 203 and is not movable. However, the nail-head and slotsystem 265, 266 provide for the connector bodies 262, 269 to moveindependently in the direction along the length of the DIMM 241, 242.Independently, the nail-head and slot systems 263, 264 provide thealignment necessary to make high pitch signal connections. The flexiblecircuit 261 shown in FIG. 26 is displayed as being routed over the topof the interposer. However, they may be also routed under the contacthousings.

FIG. 27 illustrates a DIMM array 270, 273, 274 wherein the first DIMM270 is not attached to an interposer but is required to be connected toa device 271 mounted on the PCB 203. FIG. 28 illustrates a close up ofFIG. 27 showing the electrical contact pads 282, 283 and alignmentfeatures 243, 281 on the IC package 204 and device 271.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 29 wherein instead of aninterposer connecting two DIMMs, flexible circuit connector 290 connectsthe DIMM 270 to a package 271 on a PCB 203 is presented. FIG. 30illustrates a flexible circuit connector 290 that connects a IC package204 on the DIMM 270 to n an IC package 271 mounted on a PCB 203. Theconnector is capable of interconnecting any other electronic components.The connections are made directly from the tops of the chip packages.The embodiment may be further refined and applied to any other type ofintegrated circuit package having any other electronic function. The twoIC packages used as examples are physically close to each other.However, any IC packages may be farther distant and may beinterconnected by lengthening the flexible circuit between the contacts,which creates flexible circuit cable. FIG. 30 provides a close up viewof the signal paths illustrating the slots 305 between the signal traceson the flexible circuit 302. These slots enhance the ability of eitherend of the flexible circuit to move with respect to each other so thatthe contact housing's alignment features at either end of the connectormay move freely to align the contact pads and contacts to each other.The signal traces may be single-ended or differential pairs with aground plane as part of the flexible circuit. FIG. 31 is the same as theFIG. 30 except with the flexible circuit removed to show the underlyingconnector structure. The structure is composed of 1) a base 312 that mayplug into or fasten to the PCB 203 and 2) contact housings 310, 311 thatalign the flexible circuit's contacts to the contact pads on eitherpackage 271, 204. FIG. 32 is a side view of the flexible circuitconnector 290 showing DIMM cards 270, 273, 274 and standard DIMMconnectors 200. This Figure illustrates how the flexible circuitconnector 290 may be assembled onto both IC packages in one downwardmovement by an assembler or a pick and place machine. FIG. 33 is acutaway view of the flexible circuit connector 29290 illustrating thealignment features, which are slots going over nail-heads 243243 on theIC 204 package 204 on the DIMM card 27270 and a hole goingover-alignment pins 28281 on the controller package 271. The holes andalignment pins on the controller chip may be reversed. The embodiment isnot limited to this means of alignment but may include many others. Forinstance, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the contact housing 342 may have atwo branched prong 341 that is inserted into a hole 340 in the ICpackage 343. Each branch of the prong may bend inward as it is insertedinto the hole and then a lip on the prong catches or is held in place atthe bottom of the hole. FIG. 35 illustrates two views of the nail head243 on IC package 204 and the alignment slot 350 that are on both sidesof the contact housing 311 in the flexible circuit connector 290. Thecontact housing's alignment slot 350 is canted inside its cavity so thatas the slot passes over the nail head 243, the canted surface slidesover the back surface of the head on the nail head. This action drawsthe flexible circuit connector's electrical contacts 352 toward thecontact pads 282 on the package 204, thus providing contact forcebetween the contact pads 282 and the electrical contacts 352. FIG. 36 isa cutaway view of the slot 350 in the flexible circuit connector'scontact housing 31311. It shows the canted surface 350 mentioned in theprevious paragraph. FIG. 37 shows an orienting of the alignment slot 371opening 180 degrees upward from that in the previous Figures. Thisallows the flexible circuit connector 372 to be assembled to the PCB 203after the standard DIMM connector 200 is in place. The DIMM 270 may beinserted into the standard DIMM connector 200 which simultaneouslyallows insertion of the IC package's alignment nail heads into theflexible circuit connector's alignment slot 371. FIG. 38 illustrates acutaway view of the nail head-to-hole alignment features (4 each in thisexample) 382, 383 that allow the flexible circuit's electrical contactsto move freely with respect to the base 380, 381, thus allowing thepreviously described alignment features to align the flexible circuit'selectrical contacts with the corresponding electrical contact pads onthe IC packages. FIG. 39 illustrates the clamping levers 390 on bothsides of the flexible circuit's electrical contacts. The clamping leversslide over the sides of the controller chip package 271 and clamp to theIC package's bottom side. This action provides contact force between theflexible circuit's electrical contacts and the electrical contact padson the IC package 271. FIG. 40 illustrates the clamping lever 390without the IC package 271 for clarification. FIG. 41 shows an undersideview of the flexible circuit 302 and contact housings 310, 311 with thebase removed for clarity.

FIG. 42 illustrates another embodiment wherein the flexible circuitconnector 302 is used without a base so that an assembler orpick-and-place machine may separately or simultaneously assemble eachcontact housing 420, 421 to either IC package 204, 271. The flexiblecircuit acts like a cable and strain relief providing the greatestability to connect two components together when they are at greatlyvarying distances and angles from each other.

FIG. 43 illustrates an embodiment wherein the high frequency (highfrequency) portion 437 of a multi-slot connector is formed as a singlepiece. Low density elements may be mounted as necessary on both sides ofthe high frequency multi-slot connector. In this embodiment, connectionto driver/controller is made through an additional connection to the PCBboard 438 and over to the driver controller 431 through standard PCBconnection techniques. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 44 is similarto the embodiment in FIG. 43 except the connection to thedriver/controller is made from the top of that device through anadditional connector 441.

FIG. 45 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein thechannel is maintained on the surface of the PCB 432, 452. High frequency(high frequency) connector elements 451A, 451B, 451C are placedindividually along the PCB.

FIG. 46 illustrates another embodiment wherein a single continuouschannel is constructed by use of a flexible bus 462. The bus bridgescavities 463 which are available for a DIMM 434 to push the flexible businto during insertion.

FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view on another embodiment making useof springs for contacts for both high and low density areas as well asvertical and horizontal signal path connections. This embodiment issimilar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 wherein the actualmemory module insertion cavity is formed by two connector bodies 472A,472B. An advantage to this embodiment is that insertion of modulesrequires no force and maintains simple memory module design. Springsmake contact both laterally and down providing for both daisy-chainedand bussed signaling. The magnified insert shows examples of springembodiments. The high frequency spring 474A allows for direct passage ofsignals between DIMMs. The low density spring 473 provides for a signalpath from the DIMM to the bottom of the connector body 472A, 472B. FIGS.48 and 49 illustrate a section of AA on how a buckling beam may be usedto make contact by applying lateral force. FIG. 49 includes acompressible spring force element 491.

FIG. 50 illustrates another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.47, including a buckling beam used to make contact by applying verticalforce 501 from above.

FIG. 51 illustrates another embedment of the invention shown in FIG. 47,including a buckling beam used to make contact by applying verticalforce from below by means of a cam 511. The far left cam 511, on FIG. 51shows how the turning of the cam straightens the bent wire to forceengagement, while those on the right 512 show the unengaged positions.

FIG. 52 illustrates an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 47,including springs 473A, 473B that make contact in both lateral andvertical directions. Downward force from above forces engagement ofcontacts in both course and fine contact areas. The downward force maybe generated from, cut is not limited to, a cam, a pressure plate or alever.

FIG. 53 illustrates an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 47,including an array of buckling beams 531A, 531B disposed to make arraycontacts on the module 434 to increase signal density and allow largerconductor feature sizes. An alternate embodiment of a buckling beam isthe use of impedance controlled connections such as, but not limited to,coax, twinax, or ribbonized conductors.

FIG. 54 illustrates a frontal view of an embodiment in which an array ofbuckling beams in both an extended and a relaxed view.

Although the invention has been described with references to specificexemplary embodiments thereof, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather thana restrictive manner.

Original Claims as Clauses of the Detailed Description

Various aspects of the subject-matter described herein are set forth forexample and without limitation in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. A system comprising:

-   -   a printed circuit board;    -   a first electrical structure;    -   a second electrical structure; and    -   a connector including a first plurality of conductive structures        coupled between the first electrical structure and the printed        circuit board, and a second plurality of conductive structures        coupled between the first electrical structure and the second        electrical structure.

Clause 2. The system of clause 1 further comprising a fourth electricalstructure, and wherein the connector further includes a third pluralityof conductive structures coupled between the first electrical structureand the fourth electrical structure.

Clause 3. The system of clause 1 wherein the first electrical structurecomprises a memory module.

Clause 4. The system of clause 1 wherein the first electrical structurecomprises at least one memory device.

Clause 5. The system of clause 1 wherein the second electrical structurecomprises an integrated circuit device.

Clause 6. The system of clause 5 wherein the integrated circuit devicecomprises a memory controller.

Clause 7. The system of clause 1 wherein the printed circuit boardcomprises at least one of a daughter card, a line card, a backplane anda motherboard.

Clause 8. A connector comprising:

-   -   a first plurality of conductive elements to connect to a printed        circuit board; and    -   a second plurality of signal conductive elements to connect to a        signaling structure other than the printed circuit board.

Clause 9. The connector of clause 8 wherein the signaling structure is amulti-conductor cable.

Clause 10. The connector of clause 8 wherein the signaling structure isanother connector.

Clause 11. The connector of clause 8 wherein the signaling structure isa memory module.

Clause 12. The connector of clause 8 wherein the connector furthercomprises a housing adapted to receive a memory module.

Clause 13. The connector of clause 8 further comprising a connectorhousing, and wherein the first plurality of conductive elements haveends disposed at a first surface of the connector housing, and thesecond plurality of conductive elements have ends disposed at a secondsurface of the connector housing.

Clause 14. The connector of clause 13 wherein the first surface andsecond surface are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Clause 15. A method of transferring signals within a memory system thatincludes a memory controller and a plurality of memory devices, themethod comprising:

-   -   providing power and ground to the memory controller and the        plurality of memory devices through a printed circuit board; and    -   transferring data between the memory controller and the        plurality of memory devices over a signaling path formed        separately from the printed circuit board.

Clause 16. The method of clause 15 wherein transferring data between thememory controller and the plurality of memory devices comprisestransferring data between the memory controller and the plurality ofmemory devices over a multi-conductor cable.

Clause 17. The method of clause 15 wherein transferring data between thememory controller and the plurality of memory devices comprisestransferring data between the memory controller and the plurality ofmemory devices over a path formed in connector structures.

Clause 18. A method of transferring signals within a memory system thatincludes a plurality of memory modules, the method comprising:

-   -   providing power and ground to the plurality of memory modules        through a printed circuit board; and    -   transferring data between the memory modules over a signaling        path formed separately from the printed circuit board.

Clause 19. The method of clause 18 wherein transferring data between thememory modules over a signaling path formed separately from the printedcircuit board comprises transferring data between the memory modulesover a signaling path formed in connector structures that secure thememory modules to the printed circuit board.

Clause 20. A method of transferring signals within a memory system thatincludes a plurality of memory modules, the method comprising:

-   -   transferring integrity-tolerant signals to the plurality of        memory modules through a printed circuit board; and    -   transferring integrity-sensitive signals between the memory        modules over a signaling path formed separately from the printed        circuit board.

Clause 21. A system comprising:

-   -   a plurality of memory modules;    -   a printed circuit board including means for providing power and        ground to the plurality of memory modules; and    -   means, separate from the printed circuit board, for transferring        data between the memory modules.

1. A system comprising: a printed circuit board; a first electricalstructure; a second electrical structure; and a connector including afirst plurality of conductive structures coupled between the firstelectrical structure and the printed circuit board, and a secondplurality of conductive structures coupled between the first electricalstructure and the second electrical structure.